CALIFORNIA, USA — Naloxone or Narcan is an over-the-counter drug. You can find it at local stores with pharmacies like Target, Rite Aid, and Walgreens for about $45.
Back in March, the FDA approved it for over-the-counter sales and in July, the first generic nonprescription naloxone nasal spray product was approved.
The CDC says opioids were to blame for more than half of the overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2021 and the crisis continues to escalate. About 46% of overdoses are witnessed, so knowing how to administer Narcan could be crucial to someone's survival.
ABC10 Health Expert Dr. Sristi Sharma shares what to do if you see someone overdosing.
If you see someone overdosing, first make sure the person is unresponsive.
5 steps to check for responsiveness
- Check their pupils (if they're overdosing, they would have small, constricted "pinpoint pupils")
- Check for slow, weak, or no breathing
- Call their name
- Rub their chest (they would have cold and/or clammy skin)
- Limp body
If there's no response, call 911 tilt their head and push the Narcan spray up the nostril. Push until your finger hits the nose and spray. Then, immediately put the person on their side in a recovery position. The person should regain consciousness within two to three minutes.
"Narcan works immediately as soon as you spray it, if you don't think it's working you want to start CPR," Sharma said.
Even if you're unsure of the overdose you can still administer Narcan. It won't hurt someone who is not overdosing. You can also administer it multiple times without hurting the person.
According to the California Department of Public Health, with a fentanyl overdose, two or more doses of naloxone may need to be given.
You can also get Narcan for free from area harm reduction centers and community resources like Harm Reduction Services Sacramento, Safer Alternatives through Networking and Education or SANE, and the Salud Clinic.
Watch more on ABC10
